Columnar air moving devices, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An air moving device includes a housing member, a rotary fan assembly, and a nozzle. The air moving device further includes a light source member mounted within the nozzle. The light source member can be placed within a flow of air moving out the end of the nozzle in a generally columnar pattern. The flow of air can be used to cool the light source member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/030,050, filed Jul. 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/575,626, filed Dec. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.10,024,531 issued on Jul. 17, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/918,563,filed Dec. 19, 2013, the entire disclosure of each of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any and all priorityclaims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correctionsthereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

This application is related to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0027950filed Jun. 13, 2012, and to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0195749filed Feb. 2, 2012, each of which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein.

This application is also related to U.S. Patent Publication No.2013/0011254, entitled Columnar Air Moving Devices, Systems and Methods,filed Jun. 13, 2012, and to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0023195,entitled Columnar Air Moving Devices, Systems and Methods, filed Jun.13, 2012, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by referenceherein. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0227381, filed May 30, 2008, and to U.S. Patent Publication No.2010/0266400, filed Mar. 16, 2010, each of which is incorporated in itsentirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS Field of the Inventions

The present application relates generally to systems, devices andmethods for moving air that are particularly suitable for creating airtemperature de-stratification within a room, building, or otherstructure.

Description of the Related Art

The rise of warm air and the sinking of cold air can create significantvariation in air temperatures between the ceiling and floor of buildingswith conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Airtemperature stratification is particularly problematic in large spaceswith high ceilings such as warehouses, gymnasiums, offices, auditoriums,hangers, commercial buildings, residences with cathedral ceilings,agricultural buildings, and other structures, and can significantlyincrease heating and air conditioning costs. Structures with both lowand high ceiling rooms can often have stagnant or dead air, as well,which can further lead to air temperature stratification problems.

One proposed solution to air temperature stratification is a ceilingfan. Ceiling fans are relatively large rotary fans, with a plurality ofblades, mounted near the ceiling. The blades of a ceiling fan have aflat or airfoil shape. The blades have a lift component that pushes airupwards or downwards, depending on the direction of rotation, and a dragcomponent that pushes the air tangentially. The drag component causestangential or centrifugal flow so that the air being pushed diverges orspreads out. Conventional ceiling fans are generally ineffective as anair de-stratification device in relatively high ceiling rooms becausethe air pushed by conventional ceiling fans is not maintained in acolumnar pattern from the ceiling to the floor, and often disperses ordiffuses well above the floor.

Another proposed solution to air temperature stratification is a fanconnected to a vertical tube that extends substantially from the ceilingto the floor. The fan can be mounted near the ceiling, near the floor orin between. This type of device can push cooler air up from the floor tothe ceiling or warmer air down from the ceiling to the floor. Suchdevices, when located away from the walls in an open space in abuilding, interfere with floor space use and are not aestheticallypleasing. When confined to locations only along the walls of an openspace, such devices may not effectively circulate air near the center ofthe open space. Examples of fans connected to vertical tubes aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,342 to Hughes, and U.S. Pat. No.3,973,479 to Whiteley.

A more practical solution is a device, for example, with a rotary fanthat minimizes a rotary component of an air flow while maximizing axialair flow quantity and velocity, thereby providing a column of air thatflows from a high ceiling to a floor in a columnar pattern with minimallateral dispersion without a physical transporting tube. Examples ofthis type of device are described in U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/130,909,filed May 30, 2008, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/724,799,filed Mar. 16, 2010, each of which is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein.

Fan and light combinations are also known. For example, ceiling fansoften have light members positioned below the ceiling fan, used to helpilluminate a room. Additionally, can lights, placed individually inceiling structures of bathrooms, kitchens, and other residential roomsare also known. These can lights can sometimes include a fan member forventilation purposes. Sometimes the fan member can be used to cool arecessed lighting. Examples can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,935, orU.S. Pat. No. 6,095,671.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includesthe realization that light source members (e.g. LED light engines)mounted within the ceiling structure of a room or building are oftensusceptible to damage from high levels of heat in the surrounding air.The life expectancy of a light source member can be directlyproportional to the level of heat within a building, and especially thelevel of heat adjacent a ceiling. It has been found, for example, thatfor some light source members, the life of the light source memberdecreases by 50% for every 10° F. over 77° F. in the area surroundingthe light source member.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to not only have an airde-stratification device that is designed to de-stratify the air in aroom and reduce pockets of high temperature near the ceiling, but alsoto have an air de-stratification device that additionally houses a lightsource member, and through use of heat exchange during thede-stratification process, keeps the light source member as cool aspossible.

Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, acolumnar air moving device can comprise a housing member forming aninterior space within the air moving device, the housing membercomprising at least one opening for directing a volume of air into theinterior space, a rotary fan assembly mounted within the interior space,the rotary fan assembly comprising an impeller and a plurality of bladesfor directing a volume of air in a downwardly direction, an elongatenozzle communicating with and extending downwardly from the rotary fanassembly, the elongate nozzle comprising at least one structure fordirecting the volume of air downwardly out of the air moving device in agenerally columnar manner, and a light source member positioned at leastpartially within the nozzle, the light source member configured todirect light out of the air moving device, the light source memberpositioned within a flow of the volume of air being directed downwardlythrough the nozzle and out of the air moving device, and at least onevent structure located between the rotary fan assembly and the bottom ofthe air moving device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, an airmoving device can include a housing having a first end and a second end;an impeller rotatably mounted within the housing adjacent the first endof the housing, the impeller having one or more rotor blades capable ofdirecting a volume of air toward the second end of the housing; and anozzle having a connection end and an outlet end, the connection end ofthe nozzle connected to the second end of the housing, the nozzle andthe housing forming an interior of the air moving device. The device canalso include a first bypass wall mounted between the impeller and theoutlet end of the nozzle in the interior of the air moving device. Aninterior surface of the first bypass wall can form a bypass flowchannel, the first bypass wall directing a bypass portion of the volumeof air through the bypass flow channel toward the outlet end of thenozzle. The device can also include one or more stator vanes positionedwithin the interior of the air moving device between the impeller andthe outlet end of the nozzle, the one or more stator vanes configured todirect the volume of air out from the outlet end of the nozzle in agenerally columnar manner. The device can also include a light unitmounted within the interior of the air moving device and a heat sinkconnected to the light unit and positioned at least partially within theinterior of the air moving device such that some or all of the bypassportion of the volume of air passes over the heat sink. In someembodiments, a first end of the second bypass wall is mounted to aninner wall of the interior of the air moving device and forms acontinuous interior wall therewith between the impeller and an inlet tothe bypass flow channel.

In accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, an airmoving device for de-stratifying air within an enclosure can include ahousing defining an interior of the air moving device and having aninlet and an outlet, a diameter of the outlet being less than a diameterof the inlet. The device can include a rotary fan mounted within theinterior of the air moving device and capable of directing a volume ofair from the inlet toward the outlet, an annular (e.g., having apolygonal cross-sectional shape, a curved cross-sectional shape, or somecombination thereof) bypass member having an inner wall and an outerwall, the bypass member mounted between the rotary fan and the outlet,an interior of the bypass member defining a bypass channel through whicha bypass portion of the volume of air is directed. The device can alsoinclude one or more vanes positioned within the interior of the airmoving device between the impeller and the outlet end of the nozzle, theone or more vanes configured to direct the volume of air out from theoutlet end of the nozzle in a generally columnar manner. The device canalso include a light unit mounted within the interior of the air movingdevice between the bypass member and the outlet, and a conductive memberconnected to the light unit and positioned at least partially within theinterior of the air moving device such that some or all of the bypassportion of the volume of air passes over the conductive member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments willbecome more apparent upon reading the following detailed description andwith reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an air moving device in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial view of the device of FIG. 1, takenalong line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, partial view of the device of FIG. 1, takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 a perspective, partial view of the device of FIG. 1, taken alongline 7-7 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, taken along line9-9 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a connection feature between two statorvanes in the air moving device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an air moving deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an air moving device in accordance withan embodiment mounted within a ceiling structure;

FIGS. 12A-F are illustrations of embodiments of light source memberswith one or more channels therethrough, FIGS. 12A, 12C, and 12E beingtop perspective views of three different embodiments, and FIGS. 12B,12D, and 12F being the corresponding bottom plan views thereof;

FIG. 13 is a front, cross-sectional view of an air moving device inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a bottom, cross-sectional perspective view of the air movingdevice of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the air moving device of FIG.13;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of cascading air moving devices in astructure;

FIG. 17 is a front cross-sectional plan view of an air moving deviceaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a front, perspective cross-sectional view of the air movingdevice of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an air moving device 10 can comprise ahousing member 12. The housing member 12 can form an outer shell of theair moving device 10, and can at least partially enclose an interiorspace within the air moving device 10. The housing member 12 can beformed from one or more sections. For example, the housing member 12 cancomprise an upper housing section 14, and a lower housing section 16. Insome embodiments the upper and lower housing sections 14, 16 can beattached to one other through use of fasteners, adhesive, or otherstructure. In some embodiments, the upper housing section 14 and lowerhousing section 16 can be integrally formed as a single piece.

The air moving device 10 can include a support member 18. The supportmember 18 can be used to support the weight of the air moving device 10,and/or to attach the air moving device 10 to another structure. In someembodiments, the support member 18 can comprise a ring-shaped structure20 (e.g. an eye-bolt). The support member 18 can extend from the upperhousing section 14. The support member 18 can be used, for example, tohang the air moving device 10 from a ceiling structure within abuilding, for example with wire, string, rope, or other device(s). Insome embodiments, the housing member 12 can comprise multiple supportmembers 18.

In some embodiments, the support member 18 can comprise a generallyarched structure 22. The arched structure 22 can be connected to thehousing member 12 with two ratcheting structures 24 on either side ofthe air housing member 12. The ratcheting structures 24 can enable thearched structure 22 to be moved (e.g. pivoted) relative to the rest ofthe housing member 12. This can allow the air moving device 10 to behung, for example, above a first location on the floor of a room orbuilding, and to be angled such that it directs air to a second,different location on the floor of the room or building.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, in some embodiments thehousing member 12 can comprise a cowling 25 and an intake grill 26. Thecowling 25 and intake grill 26 can be configured to direct a volume ofair into the interior space of the air moving device 10. For example,the cowling 25 can comprise a structure with a curved profile thatextends inwardly into the air moving device 10. The intake grill 26 cansit slightly below the cowling 25. Air from the surrounding environmentcan be directed over the curved surface of the cowling 25, through theintake grill 26, and down into the interior space of the air movingdevice 10. The intake grill 26 can inhibit or prevent unwanted debrisfrom entering the interior space of the air moving device 10. Otherstructures for air intake are also possible, including but not limitedto one or more air vents situated on and around the housing member 12.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, the air moving device 10 can comprise arotary fan assembly 28 mounted within the interior space. The rotary fanassembly 28 can comprise an impeller 30 and a plurality of blades 32.The rotary fan assembly 28 can be configured to direct a volume of airthat has entered through the cowling 25 and intake grill 26 downwardlythrough the air moving device 10. The rotary fan assembly 28 can push,or force, a volume of air downwardly within the interior space of theair moving device 10. The rotary fan assembly 28 can comprise a motor.For example, the impeller 30 itself can house a motor (not shown). Themotor can cause the impeller 30 and blades 32 to spin. In someembodiments, the motor can be located elsewhere within the air movingdevice 10, or located at least partially outside the air moving device10. The rotary fan assembly 28 can comprise at least one electricalcomponent. In some embodiments, the rotary fan assembly 28 can bemounted to the lower housing section 16.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the air moving device 10 cancomprise a nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 can communicate with and extenddownwardly from the housing member 12. In some embodiments, the nozzle34 is attached to the housing member 12. The nozzle 34 can communicatewith and extend downwardly from the rotary fan assembly 28. In someembodiments, the nozzle 34 is attached to the rotary fan assembly 28.

The nozzle 34 can comprise a structure for directing a volume of air outof the air moving device 10. For example, the nozzle 34 can comprise astructure for directing a volume of air out of the air moving device 10that has previously entered through the cowling 25, intake grill 26, androtary fan assembly 28.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-8, the nozzle 34 can have multiplesections. For example, the nozzle 34 can comprise a first section 36extending downwardly from the lower housing section 16, and angledgenerally inwardly. The nozzle 34 can have a second section 38 locatedbelow the first section 36, and angled generally outwardly. In someembodiments, the nozzle 34 can have additional sections.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can include sections that areintegrally formed together. For example, the first and second sections36, 38 can be formed integrally together.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can include sections that arereleasably connected together. For example, one or more of the first andsecond sections 36, 38 can be releasably connected to one another. Insome embodiments, the second section 38 can be releasably connected tothe first section 36. The connection of the first section 36 to thesecond section 38 can form a joint 42 around the air moving device 10.In some embodiments, a locking device or mechanism can lock one or moresections of the nozzle 34 together. For example, the first section 36can be locked together with the second section 38 at the joint 42.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the nozzle 34 can comprise at least onestator vane 44. The stator vanes 44 can be positioned equidistantly in acircumferential pattern within the nozzle 34. In some embodiments, eightstator vanes 44 can be used. The stator vanes 44 can direct a volume ofair that has entered through the rotary fan assembly 28. The statorvanes 44 can be used to straighten a volume of air within the nozzle 34.The stator vanes 44 can be used to force a volume of air to move in agenerally columnar direction downwardly towards the floor of a buildingor other structure, with minimal lateral dispersion, similar to thedevices described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,129, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/724,799, each of which is incorporated inits entirety by reference herein. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 canhave no stator vanes 44.

In some embodiments, the air moving device 10 can be a self-containedunit, not connected to any ductwork, tubing, or other structure within aroom or building. The air moving device 10 can be a stand-alonede-stratification device, configured to de-stratify air within a givenspace.

In some embodiments, the air moving device 10 can have an overall height(extending from the top of the housing member 12 to the bottom of thenozzle 34) that ranges from between approximately one foot to four feet,though other ranges are also possible. For example, in some embodimentsthe air moving device 10 can have an overall height that ranges fromapproximately two feet to three feet. In some embodiments the housingmember 12 can have an overall outside diameter that ranges fromapproximately 8 inches to 30 inches, though other ranges are alsopossible. For example, in some embodiments the housing member 12 canhave an overall outside diameter that ranges from approximately 12inches to 24 inches. In some embodiments, the nozzle 34 can have anoutside diameter that ranges between approximately 5 inches to 12inches, though other ranges are possible. For example, in someembodiments the nozzle 34 can have an outside diameter that ranges frombetween approximately 8 to 10 inches. In embodiments for example where alight source member 46 is included in the nozzle 34, the nozzle 34 canhave an outside diameter that ranges from 20 inches to 28 inches, thoughother diameters are also possible. In some embodiments the air movingdevice 10 can have a motor with an overall power that ranges betweenapproximately 720 and 760 watts, though other ranges are possible. Insome embodiments the air moving device 10 can have a motor with anoverall power that is approximately 740 watts (i.e. about 1.0 hp).

With reference to FIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 10, the air moving device 10 cancomprise at least one light source member 46. The light source member 46can be positioned at least partially within the nozzle 34. The lightsource member 46 can comprise any of a variety of light sources,including but not limited to an LED light source, and/or a lamp. In someembodiments, the light source member 46 can comprise a bulb and/or lens.The light source member 46 can be attached to the nozzle 34. The lightsource member 46 can fit within a recess formed within the nozzle 34.The light source member 46 can be configured to direct light out of theair moving device 10. For example, the light source member can beconfigured to direct light out of a bottom of the nozzle 34.

In some embodiments, the light source member 46 can be mounted within asection of the nozzle 34. For example, the light source member 46 can bemounted within the plurality of stator vanes 44. In some embodiments,the stator vanes 44 can include cut-out portions configured to form acavity or opening for insertion of the light source member 46. The lightsource member 46 can rest on top the stator vanes 44 within the nozzle34, without being securely attached to the nozzle 34. In someembodiments, the light source member 46 can be positioned within thenozzle 34 such that stator vanes 44 are located directly above anddirectly below the light source member 46.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, and as described above, at least aportion of the nozzle 34 can be removed and/or replaced. For example,the second section 38 can be removed from the air moving device 10, sothat the light source member 46 can be taken out and replaced with adifferent light source member 46. In some embodiments, an entire portionof the nozzle 34 can be removed and replaced, along for example with thelight source member 46. In some embodiments, portions of the nozzle 34can be locked together with tabs, friction fit, and/or other lockingmechanisms.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 10, in some embodiments the statorvanes 44, and/or other portions of the air moving device 10, can have av-shaped section or sections 50 along their edge. The v-shaped sections50 can fit, or mate together, to form a joint or joints within thenozzle 34. The v-shaped sections 50 can facilitate joining one or moreportions of the nozzle 34 together. Other connection or matingmechanisms are also possible.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 10, the nozzle 34 cancomprise at least one restriction portion 52. The restriction portion 52can comprise an area of the nozzle 34 that extends inwardly relative tothe rest of the nozzle 34. The restriction portion 52 can form a venturiwithin the nozzle 34. The restriction portion 52 can force air movingthrough the nozzle 34 to accelerate. The restriction portion 52 cancreate a narrowed channel for air to pass through within the nozzle 34.In some embodiments, at least one restriction portion 52 can be formedgenerally at the joint 42. In some embodiments, the restriction portion52 can be configured to accelerate air flow past the light source member46, so as to better cool the light source member 46.

As described above, light source members 46 can be susceptible to highlevels of heat. The life of a light source member 46 can be directlyproportional to the level of surrounding heat. Therefore, by placing thelight source member 46 within and/or adjacent the flow of air movingthrough the nozzle 34, the light source member 46 can be cooled.Further, by including a recessed portion 52, the cooling can beincreased.

With reference to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the light source member46 can include a lens 54 on one end. The lens 54 can be configured todirect light out of the nozzle 34. In some embodiments, the volume ofair moving through the nozzle 34 can flow adjacent the lens 54, but notdirectly at or towards the lens 54. In some embodiments, the lightsource member 46 can have a generally cone-like shape, having a firstend 56 and a second end 58, forming a bulb that emits light. Other typesand shapes of light source members are also possible. In someembodiments, the shape of the light source member 46 itself can generatea restriction within the nozzle, and increase the air flow along thelower, larger diameter end 58 of the light source member 46, therebyfacilitating cooling of the light source member.

In some embodiments, the light source member 46 can be configured todirect light in a first direction out of the air moving device 10 andinto a room or other structure. In some embodiments, the first directionis a generally downward direction. In some embodiments, the light sourcemember 46 can be configured to direct light out of the air moving device10 to illuminate a particular target space. Similarly, in someembodiments the air moving device 10 can be configured to direct air ina first direction out of the air moving device 10 and into a room orother structure. The first direction can be a generally downwarddirection. In some embodiments, the air moving device 10 can beconfigured to direct air out of the air moving device 10 to de-stratifya particular target space.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer body 48 of thenozzle 34, and/or at least one of the stator vanes 44, can betransparent. The transparency can allow the light from the light sourcemember 46 to not only emanate in a generally longitudinal directiondownwardly out of the air moving device, but also radially outwardly.The transparency can facilitate a wider area within which the light fromthe light source member 46 emanates.

With reference to FIG. 11, an air moving device 10 that includes a lightsource member 46 can be mounted within a ceiling structure 110, asopposed to for example being hung from a ceiling structure. The ceilingstructure 110 can comprise, for example, a first ceiling level 112, anda second ceiling level 114 separated from the first ceiling level 112 bya height H. The air moving device 10 can be supported by the firstceiling level 112, and/or mounted to the first ceiling level 112, suchthat at least a portion of the air moving device 10 is positionedbetween the first and second ceiling levels 112, 114, and so that avolume of air is directed into a room 116 below the ceiling structure110. For example, the air moving device 10 can comprise a support member118 for supporting the housing member 12 (the top of which can be in theform of a dome-like structure) on the ceiling level 112, and at leastone air vent 120 can be located below the first ceiling level 112, so asto direct air from the room 116 into the air moving device 10.

In some embodiments, the light source member 46 can be relatively largeand difficult to cool because of its shape and/or size. The light sourcemember 46 can also block some of the flow of air from moving out of theair moving device 10, thereby creating unwanted back pressure within theair moving device 10. Unwanted back pressure can inhibit the efficiencyof the air moving device 10. For example, the unwanted back pressure canslow the de-stratification process.

Therefore, in at least some embodiments, and with reference to FIGS.12A-F, the light source member 46 can have one or more channels 60 fordirecting air flow out of the air moving device 10. The channels 60 canextend partially or entirely through the light source member 46. Thechannels 60 can be used to help cool the light source member 46, bydirecting air along one or more surfaces of the light source member 60.The channels can also, or alternatively, be used to more efficientlymove the air through the air moving device 10, and inhibit unwanted backpressure. The channels can be formed by slots, holes, tubes, and/orother structures that create one or more channels extending through thelight source member 46.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of an air moving device 110,one in which the air moving device 110 includes a light source memberwith a specially designed ability to cool a light source. With referenceto FIGS. 13-15, the air moving device 110 can include an outer housing112. In some embodiments the outer housing 112 can comprise a generallycylindrical structure. In some embodiments the outer housing 112 canextend in an elongate manner vertically once the air moving device 110is in an installed position.

The air moving device 110 can further comprise a rotary fan assembly114. The rotary fan assembly 114 can be mounted within the outer housing112. The rotary fan assembly 114 can comprise an impeller 118 and aplurality of blades 120, similar to the impeller 30 and blades 32described above. The rotary fan assembly 114 can be configured to directa volume of air that has entered through a top portion 116 of the airmoving device 10 downwardly through a nozzle 121 of the air movingdevice 10. The top portion 116 can comprise a structure for air intake,for example a cowling, grill, etc., such as the structures describedabove for the air moving device 10. The rotary fan assembly 114 canpush, or force, a volume of air downwardly within an interior space 122of the air moving device 110. The rotary fan assembly 114 can comprise amotor. For example, the impeller 118 itself can house a motor. The motorcan cause the impeller and blades to spin. In some embodiments, themotor can be located elsewhere within the air moving device 110, orlocated at least partially outside the air moving device 110. The rotaryfan assembly 114 can comprise at least one electrical component. Therotary fan assembly can be powered via an electrical power source (e.g.via power cord extending into the top of the device).

The air moving device 110 can further comprise a light source member 124in the nozzle 121 (e.g. at the bottom of the nozzle 121). The lightsource member 124 can be similar to the light source member 46 describedabove. The light source member 124 can comprise a housing 126. Thehousing 126 can include one or more openings 128. The openings 128 canbe in the form of slits extending around a top portion of the housing126. The openings 128 can permit some of the air that has exited therotary fan assembly 114 and is traveling through the interior space 122to enter an inside chamber 130 of the light source member 124. In someembodiments, the inside chamber 130 can have the shape of an hour-glass.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the inside chamber 130 can havea narrowed profile in a middle portion of the chamber 130.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-15, the light source member 124 caninclude at least one LED light engine 132, or other source of light. Thelight engine 132 can be similar to the lens 54 described above. In someembodiments the light engine 132 can comprise a disk-like structure. Thelight engine 132 can be used to direct light out of the air movingdevice 110. In some embodiments the light engine can be powered by thesame power source that powers the rotor fan assembly 114. A power cordcan be extended down through the outer housing 112 and connected to thelight engine 132. In some embodiments the power cord can hold the lightengine 132 in place. In some embodiments the light engine can beconnected to the housing 126 of the light source member 124.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-15, in some embodiments the airmoving device 110 can comprise stator vanes 136 within the interiorspace 122. The stator vanes 136 can help to guide the air movementthrough the air moving device 110. The stator vanes 136 can bepositioned equidistantly in a circumferential pattern. For example, insome embodiments, four stator vanes 136 can be used. The stator vanes136 can be used to straighten a volume of air within air moving device110. The stator vanes 136 can be used to force a volume of air to movein a generally columnar direction downwardly towards the floor of abuilding or other structure, with minimal lateral dispersion.

In some embodiments, a portion or portions of the housing 112 can betransparent, so as to allow light from the light source member 124 toescape out the sides of the device, and to illuminate areas other thanareas directly below the air moving device 110.

With reference to FIG. 13, arrows are illustrated which show airmovement throughout the air moving device 110. Air is first brought inthrough the top 116 of the air moving device 110. The air then travelsthrough the rotary fan assembly 114, where it is directly downwardly ina columnar manner into the interior space 122. The interior space 122can have a curved profile, as seen in FIG. 13, such that a high pressurearea is created around the openings 128 of the housing 126. This highpressure area can help force at least a portion of the air into thehousing 126 and chamber 130 of the light source member 124. The chamber130 can be used to cool the light engine 132. For example, as air ismoved through the narrowed (i.e. hour-glass) profile of the chamber 130,the air can enter an expanded profile near the light engine 132. The aircan then move directly over the light engine 132, laterally along thelight engine 132, and continue on and down along the sides of the lightengine 132 and out through the openings 134. Simultaneously, theremainder of the air traveling through the interior space 122 that didnot enter the light source member 124 can continue to travel through theinterior space 122 and finally out of the air moving device 110, asillustrated by the arrows exiting the bottom of the air moving device inFIG. 13.

Overall, the cooling effect of the chamber 130, and the use of thechamber 130 and openings 128 in the light source member 124, canadvantageously reduce the temperature of the light engine 132 so as toavoid overheating. This cooling effect can also reduce the need foradditional heat sinks at or near the light engine 132, and can extendthe life of a particular light engine, sometimes by thousands of hours.In some embodiments, the light engine 132 can additionally comprise oneor more heat sinks. For example, the light engine 132 can comprise a ribor ribs which help to further reduce overheating of the light engine132.

The de-stratification devices with light source members described abovecan advantageously be used in all types of structures, including but notlimited to residential buildings, as well as large warehouses, hangers,and structures with high ceilings. In contrast, commonly used can lightdevices that include fans are designed primarily for use in bathrooms,showers, kitchen, and other similar areas. These devices are used forventilation purposes, or to cool, for example, recessed lighting. Thesedevices often require large amounts of electricity to power both the fanand the light, and are different than the de-stratification devicedescribed above.

The air moving device described above advantageously can function bothas a means of de-stratification, as well as a means of providing light.Because of the combination of de-stratification and a light sourcemember, the life of the light source member can be improved. Thisreduces the number of times someone will be required to access the lightsource member. Because of the high ceilings, accessing the light sourcemember can often be difficult. The access often requires using a riser(e.g. a mechanical lift). This adds extra cost, and requires time thatis otherwise saved with a combined de-stratification device and lightsource member.

In some embodiments, more than one air moving device 10, 110 can beused, in a cascading manner, to direct air flow within a structure. Forexample, and with reference to FIG. 16, in some embodiments a pluralityof air moving devices 10, 110 can be spaced apart from one another alonga ceiling structure 210 above a floor 212. The air moving devices 10,110 can be angled, so that columns of exiting air work together todirect and de-stratify and/or move large volumes of air in one directionor another. In some embodiments, air exiting out the bottom of one airmoving device 10 can enter the top of another air moving device 10. Insome embodiments the ceiling structure 210 can be that of a building,room, or other structure. In some embodiments, the ceiling structure 210can be that of a subway tunnel, or underground structure, where it maybe advantageous to direct large volumes of air, in a cascading manner,so as to move and de-stratify the otherwise stagnant, hot air that oftenaccumulates underground. In embodiments where the air moving device 10includes a light source member 46, 124, the light source member 46, 124can also provide additional lighting to an area below.

In some embodiments, rather than using a plurality of air moving devices10, 110 in a ceiling structure 210, the air moving device 10, 110 can bemounted to outside structures, and the columns of air can be used tocool an outside area. For example, a plurality of air moving devices 10,110 can be arranged in a cascading manner such that the devices 10, 110work together to help cool people that are standing outside below theair moving devices 10, 110. Sometimes people are required to stand inlong lines outdoors during hot times of the year. By arranging aplurality of air moving devices 10, 110 near the long lines, the peoplein line can be kept cool and comfortable, and at night can be blanketedwith light if desired. In embodiments where the air moving device 10,110 includes a light source member 46, 124 the light source member 46,124 can also provide additional lighting to an area below.

In some embodiments, the cascading system can be operated so that theair moving devices 10, 110 do not all function at the same time. Forexample, in some embodiments some of the air moving devices 10, 110 canbe shut off. In some embodiments the air moving devices 10, 110 can beturned on one after another, moving along a row of cascading devices 10,110 as needed, to move the air in a large air space. In some embodimentsthe cascading system of air devices 10, 110 can be operated wirelesslywith a wireless control system.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of an air moving device 210.The air moving device 210 can include a housing 212. The housing 212 canhave a first end 214 and a second end 216. The housing 212 can have agenerally cylindrical shape, frustoconical shape, conical shape, and/orsome other shape or combination of shapes. The housing 212 can have aninterior space. The interior space of the housing 212 can extend fromthe first end 214 to the second end of the housing 216. The air movingdevice 210 can include one or more ribs 217 extending between an upperportion of the housing 212 and a lower portion of the housing 212.

In some embodiments, a nozzle 234 is connected to (e.g., via welding,adhesives, fasteners, co-molding, or otherwise) the housing 216. Forexample, the nozzle 234 can have a connection end configured to connectto the second end 216 of the housing 212. In some embodiments, thenozzle 234 and housing 216 are formed as a monolithic part. An outletend 235 of the nozzle 234 can define an outlet of the air moving device210.

As illustrated, the air moving device 210 can include a rotary fanassembly 228. The rotary fan assembly 228 can be mounted at leastpartially within the interior space of the housing 212. For example, therotary fan assembly 228 can be mounted in the interior space of thehousing 212 adjacent (e.g. at or near) the first end 214 of the housing212.

The rotary fan assembly 228 can include an impeller 230. The impeller230 can have one or more impeller blades 231. The rotary fan assembly238, via the impeller 230 and impeller blades 231, can be configured tomove a volume of air from the inlet 214 of the housing 212 toward theoutlet of the housing 212 and/or the outlet 235 of the nozzle. A motorcan be positioned within or near the impeller 230 to drive rotation ofthe impeller 230 and impeller blades 231.

In some embodiments, the air moving device 210 include one or moreflow-straightening structures. For example, the air moving device 210can include one or more stator vanes 244. The stator vanes 244 can bepositioned within the interior of the housing 212 and/or within aninterior of the nozzle 234. As illustrated, the stator vanes 244 can bedistributed in a circumferential pattern within the interior of the airmoving device 210. In some embodiments, the stator vanes 244 include oneor more curved portions. For example, the ends of the stator vanes 244nearest the impeller 230 can be curved in the circumferential directionopposite the direction of rotation of the impeller 230. The stator vanes244 can straighten (e.g., in a direction toward the outlet end 235 ofthe nozzle 234) the flow of air through the nozzle 234 and/or throughhousing 212 after the air leaves the impeller 230. In some embodiments,the stator vanes 244 straighten the flow of air to direct a generallycolumnar (e.g., with reduced lateral dispersion) flow of air out of theoutlet 235 of the nozzle 234.

In some embodiments, the air moving device 210 can include a supportmember 218. The support member 218 can be connected to the housing 212via a ratcheting hinge 224 or other mechanical connection (e.g., ahinge). In some embodiments, the support member 218 includes a generallyarched structure 222. The generally arched structure 222 can be used tofacilitate connecting the air moving device 210 to a support structure(e.g., a ceiling or some portion thereof, a wall, or some other supportstructure).

The housing 212, nozzle 234, rotary fan assembly 228, stator vanes 244,and/or support member 218 can be the same as or similar to thecomponents of the air moving devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,381,129, which was incorporated by reference above in its entirety.

As illustrated, the air moving device 210 can include a bypass assembly249. The bypass assembly 249 can be positioned at least partially withinthe interior of the air moving device 210 between the impeller 230 andthe nozzle outlet 235. The bypass assembly 249 can include a firstbypass member 250. The first bypass member 250 can be, for example, awall (e.g., an annular wall) positioned within the interior of the airmoving device 210. The first bypass member 250 can have a generallyconical shape, a frustoconical shape, a cylindrical shape, and/or someother shape or combination of shapes. The first bypass member 250 candefine a bypass flow path 248 through which a portion of the volume ofair moved through the air moving device 210 can pass. The bypass flowpath 248 can have a bypass inlet 254 located on an end of the bypassflow path 248 closest to the impeller 230. A bypass outlet 256 can belocated on an end of the bypass flow path 248 furthest from the impeller230. A diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of at least a portionof the first bypass member 250 can be tapered between the bypass inlet254 to the bypass outlet 256 to accelerate bypass air flow through thebypass flow path 248.

The first bypass member 250 can be supported in the air moving device210 by one or more braces, struts, or other support structures. In someembodiments, the first bypass member 250 is supported within theinterior space of the air moving device 210 at least in part by thevanes 244. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a portion of at leastone of the vanes 244 can overhang the bypass inlet 254 to inhibit orprevent movement of the first bypass member 250 toward the impeller 230.Interaction between a tapered portion of the bypass member 250 and aninner edge of the vanes 244 can inhibit or prevent movement of thebypass member 250 away from the impeller 230. In some embodiments, thefirst bypass member 250 is free to rotate (e.g., about a centerline CLof the air moving device 210) within the air moving device 210. In someembodiments, the first bypass member 250 is rotationally fixed withinthe air moving device 210 via adhesives, welding, fasteners, orotherwise.

The bypass assembly 249 can include a second bypass member 252. Thesecond bypass member 252 can be positioned at least partially within thefirst bypass member 250. In some embodiments, the second bypass member252 extends further toward the impeller 230 than the first bypass member250. The second bypass member 252 can be a wall (e.g., an annular wall)positioned at least partially within the first bypass member 250. Thesecond bypass member 252 can have a generally conical shape, afrustoconical shape, a cylindrical shape, and/or some other shape orcombination of shapes. As illustrated, the second bypass member 252 candefine a radially inner wall (e.g., with respect to the centerline CL ofthe air moving device 210) of the bypass channel 248. In someembodiments, use of the second bypass member 252 to form an inner wallof the bypass channel 248 can reduce turbulence within the bypasschannel 248. For example, the second bypass member 252 can be connectedto an inner wall 253 of the interior space of the air moving device 210to form a continuous or partially continuous inner boundary for airmoving through the air moving device 210 from the impeller toward theoutlet 235. Forming a continuous or partially continuous inner boundaryfor the air flow can reduce the number of sharp corners and/or bluntobstacles in the air flow path. The second bypass member 252 can besupported within the air moving device 210 by the rotary fan assembly228 and/or by one or more of the stator vanes 244.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the air moving device 210 can includea light assembly 262. The light assembly 262 can be positioned at leastpartially within the interior of the air moving device 210. For example,the light assembly 262 can be positioned between the bypass assembly 249and the outlet 235 of the nozzle 234. The light assembly 262 can besupported in the air moving device 210 by struts, braces, and/or othersupport structures. In some embodiments, the light assembly 262 issupported by the stator vanes 244. For example, the radially-inwardedges of the stator vanes 244 can be shaped (e.g., cut-outs in thestator vanes can be formed) to match the radial profile of all or partof the light assembly 262.

The light assembly 262 can include one or more light units 264. Thelight units 264 can include, without limitation, LEDs, incandescentbulbs, fluorescent bulbs, neon lights, and/or other light-emittingelements. Preferably, the light unit 264 comprises at least one LEDhaving a diameter of 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 7 inches, 10inches, or some value therebetween. In some embodiments, the light unit264 can have a diameter or other cross-section dimension that is lessthan about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less thanabout 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the nozzle outlet 235. In someembodiments, the light unit 264 has a diameter that is less than about35% of the diameter of the nozzle outlet 235.

The light unit 264 can be mounted to a light support 268. The lightsupport 268 can include a circuit board or other power transmittingstructure to facilitate actuation (e.g., turning on) of the light unit264. In some embodiments, the light support unit 268 is constructed froma conductive and/or semi-conductive material.

As illustrated, the light assembly 262 can include one or more heatsinks 266. The heat sinks 266 can be connected to the light support unit268 and/or to the light unit 264. The heat sinks 266 are preferablyconstructed from a conductive and/or semi-conductive material tofacilitate heat transfer from the light unit 262. In some embodiments,the light unit 262 includes a plurality of desirably elongate heat sinks266 desirably spaced from one another positioned between the light unit264 and the bypass assembly 249, which are desirably mounted so thelength of the heat sinks extend upwards away from the light unit and airflows over the heat sinks, providing increased surface area for thetransfer of heat.

The light assembly 262 can include an optical component 270 (e.g., alens, a shade, a lamp, and/or some other optical component). The opticalcomponent 270 can be connected to the light unit 264 and/or to the lightsupport 268. In some embodiments, the optical component 270 ispositioned at least partially within the interior of the air movingdevice 210 between the light unit 264 and the outlet 235 of the nozzle234.

As illustrated, the bypass channel 248 can direct a portion of thevolume of air moving through the air moving device 210 to impinge on thelight assembly 262. For example, the bypass air can be directed to flowover the heat sinks 266 and/or light unit 262 to cool the light unit262. Airflow over the heat sinks 266 and/or light unit 262 can inhibitor prevent overheating of the light unit 262 and can increase the lifeof the light unit 262. The remaining airflow that does not enter thebypass channel 248 can exit the nozzle outlet 235 in a generallycolumnar fashion via the main flow outlet path 246.

The terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amountthat is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within lessthan 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of thestated amount.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within thescope of the inventions. It should be understood that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at leastsome of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited bythe particular disclosed embodiments described above.

1. An air moving device comprising: a housing; an impeller rotatablymounted within the housing to cause movement of a volume of air throughthe housing; a nozzle connected to the housing and having an outlet end;a main flow channel and a bypass flow channel formed at least partiallyin the nozzle, wherein a main portion of the volume of air is directedthrough the main flow channel toward the outlet end of the nozzle and abypass portion of the volume of air is directed through the bypass flowchannel toward the outlet end of the nozzle; one or more stator vanespositioned within the air moving device between the impeller and theoutlet end of the nozzle, the one or more stator vanes configured todirect the volume of air out from the outlet end of the nozzle; a lightunit mounted with the air moving device; and a heat sink connected tothe light unit such that some or all of the bypass portion of the volumeof air passes over the heat sink.
 2. The air moving device of claim 1,wherein the bypass flow channel is defined by an interior surface of afirst bypass wall and an exterior surface of a second bypass wall. 3.The air moving device of claim 2, wherein the second bypass wall has agenerally conical shape.
 4. The air moving device of claim 2, whereinthe second bypass wall is mounted at least partially within a volumedefined by the first bypass wall.
 5. The air moving device of claim 2,wherein the second bypass wall is mounted coaxially with the firstbypass wall.
 6. The air moving device of claim 2, wherein a first end ofthe second bypass wall is mounted to an inner wall of an interior of theair moving device and forms a continuous interior wall therewith betweenthe impeller and an inlet to the bypass flow channel.
 7. The air movingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a support member connected to thehousing, the support member capable of mounting the air moving device toa mounting structure.
 8. The air moving device of claim 7, wherein themounting structure is a ceiling of an enclosure.
 9. The air movingdevice of claim 1, wherein the light unit comprises one or more LEDlight engines.
 10. The air moving device of claim 1, wherein the heatsink comprises a plurality of elongate conductive members.
 11. The airmoving device of claim 1, further comprising a lamp positioned betweenthe light unit and the outlet end of the nozzle.